Roll forming machinery is a tool used in many machine shops and factory settings. You can get training to use roll-forming machines from a variety of sources. While you don’t necessarily need any special training, your prospective employer will look at whatever specialized training you have as an asset as he reviews your resume.

Roll forming equipment produces many items, but as you do your training, you want to get a general feel for the capabilities of all roll-forming machines. The opportunity to work on a new or used roll forming machine should be available to you as you take classes. Depending on the class, you may also have the opportunity to use a customized roll forming machine as part of your course work. The training you receive should enable you to do the following:

1. Set up a roll form machine.

2. Operate the roll forming equipment safely.

3. Troubleshoot any problems with the roll forming machinery.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Understand the basic skills needed to operate roll forming machinery

If you want a career operating metal roll forming machines you need to understand that there is a certain amount of physical labor involved. You also need to know that there are mathematical skills necessary to set up the machines so they operate at their peak efficiency.

I recommend: You can find the basic skill set necessary to operate roll forming machinery at O*NET. You can also find anticipated job growth, as well as average salary for roll forming equipment operators. EarnMyDegree.com can also help you determine if you want a career operating roll forming machines.

Take classes to learn how to operate roll forming machinery

Typically these classes are part of machinist training or another industrial technology certificate program. As you take classes, you'll learn the proper methods used to operate roll forming equipment, and get experience on other pieces of equipment you might need to operate on the job.

I recommend: Learn how to set up and operate a roll form machine from the online courses offered by Tooling University. Rock Valley College in Rockford, Illinois offers an apprenticeship-training program that enables you to acquire hands-on roll-forming machines education and training.

Continue your roll-forming machines education and training once you get a job

Take any classes you can that are available from a roll forming machine manufacturer. These classes give you knowledge on the day-to-day operation of the equipment you use in the shop or factory. Refresher classes are also available through many trade groups.

I recommend: Engel Industries offers set up and training as part of the sales process for each roll forming machine it sells. Get customized training from metal industry experts by signing up for classes through the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association, International. It offers classes featuring metal roll forming equipment, as well as generalized trade classes.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Pay special attention to any training on setting up roll forming equipment. If the roll of material is off by the tiniest fraction of an inch, you can wind up costing your employer a lot of money in lost materials and time. If you mess up too many times, it can cost you your job.

Roll forming machinery produces metal parts shaped to your specifications. When you're producing metal parts with roll forming equipment, you often need a whole system of equipment to roll form, punch and cut the final product in your assembly line. Find roll form machine manufacturers online to meet your business needs, whether you're looking for replacement machinery or are starting up a new production line and need a full system.

There are many options available from manufacturers that will help you find the roll forming equipment you need at a good price, including:

1. Buy roll forming machines from a distributor selling all equipment necessary for a full roll forming system.
2. Find a roll forming machine manufacturer that will create a customized roll forming machine to produce metal parts made to your specification.
3. Save money and purchase a used roll forming machine.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy a full roll forming system online

Roll forming can be a large and complicated process, relying on a number of different machines. If you're looking to install a new roll forming system or get advice and help on retooling an old system and making it more efficient, look to a manufacturer offering all the machinery needed for a successful system.

I recommend: Roll-Kraft specializes in producing roll forming system solutions. They offer any roll forming machine you need, including mills, presses, and punches, and also provide consultation on perfecting your existing system. Custom Rollform Products specializes in metal forming systems, and sells a variety of basic systems, including roll forming machines.

Contact a manufacturer of custom roll form machinery

If you can't find a machine that fits your exact needs, you need to buy custom machinery that will create forms to your specification. Contact a roll forming machine manufacturer specializing in custom machinery.

I recommend: Roll Former Corporation manufactures machinery for residential, commercial, agricultural, and trimming and accessory applications, and will engineer custom machinery to fit your purposes. Contact them with specifications of your needs to receive a quote. Rollform of Jamestown specializes in custom roll form machines. Use the form on their website to specify details of your project, including material, thickness and length to be used and receive a response from their sales team.

Get a deal on a used roll forming machine

Roll forming machinery is large and expensive. If you need a machine but don't want to spend the money to buy a new one, contact a dealer of used or refurbished products. They'll cost less and can do the job as well as a brand new machine.

I recommend: Form Process Engineering sells both new and used roll forming equipment, specializing in systems for industrial, agricultural, commercial, and residential applications. See their website for a full list of rebuilt machinery available. LOCATOR Services has listings of hundreds of used roll forming machines from machinery distributors throughout the country.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Metal roll forming machines are expensive pieces of equipment. If you don't need a machine for permanent use, contact a roll forming machine manufacturer about renting or leasing options.